Dear Nina,


You wrote:

> As to point 1, this would need some explanation that Abhidhamma is
> not what many people think it is. But I feel no need to go into this
> now, avoiding again some discussions.

If I understand correctly what you mean here, I must agree again. Abhidhamma is not only for theoretical studies. It is applicable to every moral scenario in real life. It is possible to live an Abhidhammic life, so to speak.

However, I really do not know how to explain this to someone not yet initiated into Abhidhammic studies. Perhaps this is a cultural handicap.

In Burma, we are supposed to learn Abhidhamma to preserve it. That is, we can say Abhidhamma exists only when there are persons who really understand it. The mere presence of books won't do.

Therefore, the first years of intensive Abhidhammic studies are spent with analytical methods similar to maths or logic. The psychological/ethical concepts come only at a later stage when we have to study the commentarial literature. The practical knowledge of Abhidhamma comes much later only.

Having passed through such training, I simply don't know how to begin with the last stage. However, the practical knowledge is more important for most people, whom I think people like you are much more qualified to teach.

Anyhow, thanks a lot for your interest in, and comments on, my paper.

with metta,

Ven. Pandita